Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-09-10

ings OF regard and ai.ection: wnereupon
pluCked up courage to inquire into the
reasons of her decision.
During the course Of the conversation
that ensued between us, IL was borne in
upon me more and more that Margaret
was the girl who had suffered so crushing
discontinue in the jewelers. shop at
Renford- was determined in some way
to have this question resolved before wish
| ing her farewell But she forcstalled my
| purpose.
Our acquaintance has been agreeable
| to me also, ! confess, she said Have
you any idea, Mr.. Bruton, that it was not
in this room that we met-or rather were
thrown into accidental proximity for the
/ first or the second time
! started at these last words Was
Margaret the veiled lady OF the railway
PLATFORM II must acknowledge that |
am prepared to hear it," | answered
Our eyes met, and there was the bond
| henceforth of n mutual understanding be-
tween us But how fun of hopeless pain
was Margaret's glance! And then, bit by
bit, she confided to me the story, which,
in her view, constituted an insurmOunt-
able obstacle in the path of my happiness
She had prodigal brother, who had only
escaped cOndign punishment for his mis-
demeanors by oppOr,une disappearance.
The burden Of vicarious shame lay heavy
on her soul, and she most resOlutely pur-
posed to bear the load alone.
I'VE know nothing of Jacks where
abouts or mode Of life now," she said;
land it is my daily dread that some new
disgrace may yet come upon us. | will
not expose another 10 this irksome risk -
My temerity surely transeressed the
bounds Of courtesy. But you married
Mr. Bristowe," | said.
The delicate oval features were mantled
with vivid blush. and construed the
sign as chiefly one Of anger. 1t had a
very different and for me, less awkward
explanation.
Poor Dick! will not say one harsh
word Of him." she murmured. But
| did not-girl as I was-care for Dick as a
woman ought 10 care for the man she
marries. He was my fathers choice for
me, and he had knowledge Of my
brothers escapades, which We wished
buried in silence"
And you were the sacrifice"
There WAS no denial. III Jack would
come home and reform, father would for
give him even the affair Of the jewels
You saw me try to sell the sham ones,
wickedly and cleyerly pu, in the place of
the real gems. Margaret murmured 1T
was cruel trick, for money was wanted
then. Father was Ill, and there were
Jacks other deiaicatIOns to make up.
thought saw my brother once in uniform,
As common soldier, but probably WAS
mistaken. 1t was at a railway station"
And i was Tiers, tUo.'
Yes"
II was the opportunity for giving an ac-
count Of Private Easticlgh and of his re-
quest; and i'll voice consciously vibrating
with excitement, unGurdened myself OF
the recollection.
Dick the guilty one. And we both
were bliaded.''
But, Mrs. Bristowe. can You be certain
Of this soldiers identity
Il think So" Margaret answered
''Eastleigh was my mothers maiden
name; il was natural for Jack 10 assume
that. But, oh, tell me-what became of
him:"
Suspense approaching agony was in the
tones. Jack Raine was loved still in
spite of his faults. FASTENED to relieve
the tension.
''He was much better the next morn
ing, and believe recovered l said.
but he was not properly in my charge.
l had duties elsewhere; and | have not
seen him since. But it is nearly a GER
tainty that you saw him on the occasion
you have mentioned. II l find him for
you, and there Is u reconciliation, and
Jack makes good his statement Of inno-
Ceuce, of which | have no doubt-will
You then grant me my desire, Margaret,n
Sweetest of nionosyilables was my girls
low Yes
Postscript, a year after, by Mrs. Mar
garet Bruton: Amongst some old pa
pers that Frank has brought from his den
i'll Great Gamble, High street, 20 our nest,
So prettily named WoOdbine villa, there
was the above. Frank says that as far
As he is concerned it is a complete and
yeracious history, ending, rs he had sug-
gested it might, with my reply TO "A GER
tain question. Neracious it may be, but
complete II certainly is rot But he is
Obstinate and refuses to add single line
Of sequel. There is a spare half page,
however, and l am toiling to make good
Franks indolent neglect.
Private Eastleigh was indeed my long
lost brother. Frank had very little diff
Guilty in finding him, knowing SO we'll in
what quarter to apply. Jack was ignorant
of my first marriage and of his cousin
Dicks death. L; seemed that pride
and a mistaken notion that my
fathers resentment was Implacable
kept him from communicating with
us. He has now made it very
clear that he was rather sinned against
.in thnpCvk ha nnhIa u.
accuse Dick at the time. 1t was unneces-
sary to purchase his discharge, as his time
of service was nearly expired, and he has
now settled down in mercantile appoint
ment, sobered and repentant Of his past
follies. And this, and more, much more,
we owe to my self willed, provoking, no
BILE he;rtei husband. .''-Chambers' Jour
nal.